Catskill Merino Sheep Farm

As soon as I posted that sheepskins are traditional baby gifts my mother-in-law materialized with an offer to buy one for Jack (though she hadn't read the post). Sheepskins are great for babies because of the obvious: they're cozy, cuddly and soft. But they also self-regulate temperature (like cashmere) so they keep baby warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They absorb any moisture (like sweat) so they keep baby dry. Even Will & Kate were gifted a sheepskin for little Prince George.

We took a trip this past Saturday up to the fourteenth street market to buy a sheepskin rug from Catskill Merino Sheep Farm, whose stand is located on the northwestern side of the market (roughly across the street from Coffeeshop). The Catskill Merino Sheep Farm raises lambs of Saxon Marino ewes sired by Corriedale rams. They graze on 100 acres of green pastures in the warmer months and feed on farm-cut hay in the winter. They are never fed antibiotics. In addition to Sheepskin rugs, lamb sausage and merino wool yarn is available for purchase at the farmstand.

Baby can lie on the rug for play or for naps. And for a more permanent fix: you can place the lambskin rug between your crib sheet and mattress for a cozy sleeping arrangement. (Note: Doctors recommend very firm sleeping surfaces for infants because of the risk of SIDS. So only do what you're comfortable with.) These particular lambskin rugs are treated, so they can be washed on a gentle cycle in the washing machine and laid flat to dry. If your lambskin has not been treated, put the lambskin in a garbage bag with some baking soda. Shake vigorously. Take the lambskin outside or onto your fire escape and beat the baking soda out of it. Lay lambskin in the sun for a little bit. Voila - ready to use.

Our lambskin rug borrowed from the baby - in use as a cozy chair cover for an afternoon

Merino Wool Yarn

Even the Princess and the Pea would have been comfortable on top of these!